The American
Revolution
Turn to the next page in your notebook. Title
it: American Revolution: Strengths and Weaknesses
Then, divide the paper into 4 squares Label with these subtitles:
British strengths British weaknesses American strengths American weaknesses
Setting up your paper
You need to access a History Alive textbook
and turn to Chapter 7, sections 2 and 3
Recall: Lexington & Concord the first battle of
the war (April 1775: over a year before the DOI)– a tie
Recall: Bunker Hill the 2nd battle of the war (June 1775: again, over a year before the DOI)– a British victory
Recall: DOI approved 4 July 1776– officially declares a war b/c the colonies declare their independence
Important Events of the War
New York; October 1777 Up until this battle, the colonists’ cause looked
hopeless Colonists win this battle France entered the war on the side of the
Colonists as a result of Saratoga The French supplied money, men, weapons
and warships
Turning Point: Battle of Saratoga
Valley Forge, PennsylvaniaDecember 1777
http://
www.history.com/shows/save-our-history/videos/george-washingtons-life-changing-battle#george-washingtons-life-changing-battle
In late 1777, the British had captured both New York and Philadelphia.
Washington’s Continental Army made camp at Valley Forge for it’s strategic location between Philadelphia and the new headquarters of the Continental Congress.
The winter was very harsh and the Continental Congress was not providing even basic supplies to the troops.
Washington shared the hardships of his troops and won their respect.
Today you will read journal and letter excerpts from officers and soldiers written during their 4 months of encampment at Valley Forge.
Valley Forge, PennsylvaniaDecember 1777
Valley Forge Primary Source Analysis
Read 6 Primary Source documents written by 3 members of the Continental Army, describing their experiences that winter at Valley Forge.
Read the document aloud. Analyze what the author is saying. Consider these questions in your discussion:1. Who is the author?2. What was his duty at Valley Forge?3. What are the conditions that the soldiers are
experiencing at Valley Forge?4. What are the feelings and attitudes of the
author about these experiences?5. What does this document reveal to you
about the time period? Write your Document Analysis answers. Sketch your visualization. No stick figures. At
least 5 details.
The Colonists officially “won” the war at
Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781 The Colonists’ victory in this battle– and in the
war– was due to French involvement It would take another 2 years for the peace
treaty to be negotiated
Surrender: Yorktown
The Treaty of Paris officially ended the
Revolutionary War Major outcomes of the treaty negotiations: United States of America was granted
official recognition New borders for USA: Atlantic Ocean to
Mississippi River, Great Lakes to Florida All British troops were to leave USA Loyalists could return to USA and not be
prosecuted
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Treaty of Paris (1783)
The United States of America laid down from the best authorities, agreeable to the Peace of 1783.
(Published in London, 1783.)
Who appeared to be the likely WINNER of
the war?WHY?
Given that we know the
outcome of the war…and that we know the differences in
strengths and weaknesses… why did the Americans win?
What factors were most important?